FORMER Malaysian premier Mahathir Mohamad yesterday chose roti prata for breakfast as his first full meal after a heart bypass operation last Tuesday. He also drank high energy milk.

Tun Dr Mahathir, 82, has made 'steady progress' since he underwent nearly six hours of surgery, the country's National Heart Institute said in a statement.

'After breakfast he had a full shower and was taken on a gentle ambulation around the bed,' the statement said.

'He will continue with intensive physiotherapy.'

Tun Dr Mahathir's daughter Marina Mahathir wrote in her blog that he was making 'baby steps' progress and going through the 'difficult but necessary' physiotherapy.

'The key to recovery is to get moving as soon as you can. No room for pampering here...' she said.

'Family members just have to be as encouraging and supportive as they can.'

Datin Paduka Marina also posted a picture in her blog of her brother, Datuk Mokhzani Mohamad, with a shaven head. Datuk Mokhzani had vowed to shave his head if Tun Dr Mahathir went through a successful operation.

The former premier chose to have the surgery - his second since 1989 - after he suffered heart attacks last November and in May this year.